The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will convene today (Friday) to determine the Ramazan Moon Sighting. Committee Chairman Maulana Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad will lead the meeting in Peshawar to discuss the Ramazan moon sighting. Meanwhile, zonal committees will assemble at their respective headquarters across the country to observe the crescent moon’s appearance.
Meeting Details and Participants
In Islamabad, the zonal committee will meet at the Ministry of Religious Affairs to gather Ramazan Moon Sighting testimonies.
Representatives from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and SUPARCO will attend to offer scientific insights into moon visibility.
Both central and zonal committees will finalize their findings after reviewing testimonies.. The official announcement regarding the start of Ramazan will follow shortly after.
Expected Date for Ramazan in Pakistan
According to SUPARCO, the first day of Ramazan in Pakistan is likely to fall on March 2, 2025. The commission reported that the new moon will appear on February 28, 2025, at 5:45 AM. However, its low position in the sky and young age make spotting it with the naked eye extremely difficult.
It is only 5 degrees above the horizon, and its age is just 12 hours, making visibility nearly impossible.
The angular distance between the sun and moon is seven degrees, which makes the crescent moon nearly impossible to see.
Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has urged people to observe the moon on Friday evening. If the moon is sighted, Ramazan in Saudi Arabia will begin on March 1, 2025, creating a one-day difference.
This difference means Pakistan will observe Ramazan a day later than Saudi Arabia, based on official moon sighting reports.
The court has emphasized that people must observe the moon with the naked eye on the specified evening.
It has also instructed them to submit their testimonies to the nearest court or the official moon sighting committee.
Historical Significance
If Saudi Arabia confirms the sighting on February 28, it will be the first time in 30 years.
The Islamic and Christian months will begin on the same date, making this occurrence rare and historically significant worldwide.
Conclusion
The final decision regarding the beginning of Ramazan in Pakistan will be announced after the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee completes its review. As Muslims across the world prepare for the holy month, the moon sighting remains an eagerly awaited event.